Musing – What a contrast between the Transfiguration and the Crucifixion!

Hebraic Musing – What a contrast between the Transfiguration and the Crucifixion!
(Something to think about as we approach ‘Good Friday”)

Both Matthew and Mark describe the Transfiguration “Jesus took with him Peter, James and John the brother of James, and led them up a high mountain by themselves.  There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light.  Just then there appeared before them Moses and Elijah, talking with Jesus.”  Matt 17:1-3 NIV    And recently there has been a lot of attention given the Crucifixion scenario.  These two scenarios are critical to Christian faith; so let’s compare the Transfiguration and the Passion of Christ narratives:

·      Yeshua selected those who were to be present at a private event, the Transfiguration; but at the Crucifixion, Yeshua was publically crucified at the busiest gate of Jerusalem.

·      Yeshua is glorified and the truth is recognized by and revealed to a select few at the Transfiguration; but at the Cross, the Son of God is humiliated and scandalously crucified publically. The Transfiguration was a private, invitation only event; while the Cross was a public event and most everyone in the world knows of it.

·      Yeshua invited His closest chosen to join Him at the Transfiguration; but it was the leadership of the Jews who forced Him the cross at Golgotha.

·      Yeshua’s Transfiguration was elevated to a “high mountain”; while His Crucifixion took place at ground level, at the busy city gate.

·      “His face shone like the sun” at the Transfiguration as artists typically depict the scene; but the sky darkened at the Crucifixion.

·      “His clothes became as white as the light” at the Transfiguration; but at the Cross His garments were taken away from him and He hung naked.

·      Elijah was at the Transfiguration; but Elijah did not come to take Jesus off the Cross. (Mk.15:36)

·      Moses and Elijah appeared, talking with Jesus at the Transfiguration; but at the Cross two criminals hung beside Him, talking with Him.

·      God affirms Yeshua’s Son-ship "This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!"; but at the Cross people denied His Son-ship and Yeshua began reciting Psalm 22 “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?...”   .

·      Peter, James and John prostrated themselves “…facedown to the ground, terrified” in worship at the Transfiguration; but soldiers bowed mockingly at Yeshua’s humiliation on the Cross.

 “As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus instructed them, "Don't tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead." Matt 17:9.  So the three disciples were sworn to secrecy. But after the crucifixion and resurrection they were to go forth and preach……!

We can find similar contrasts as we read/study the Resurrection and Ascension events as well.

Point to ponder

You knew of the Cross for years, but…
when did the significance and glory of the Transfiguration transform your life?

When were you invited to your own personal Transfiguration moment?

Have a Happy Resurrection Day!                                               March 31, 2015

Yosef   a.k.a.  Joe Brusherd    
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Hebraic Insights                                  Re-Published – March 2015
Biblical_Marriage                               May 2012
Musings: Vol.1 – A Victorious Life     Sept.2014
Vol.2 – The Torah and New Testament Published – March 2015
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